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It’s Too Hard. I’m Quitting! –Joshua 17:16

March 27, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Encouragement, Family, Friendship, I can't, Joshua, leadership, Obedience, Tough Times, Trials with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 15:20-17:18

“It’s too hard, Nana.”  “I can’t do it!”  How many times have I heard one of my grandchildren say these words.

Forget the kids, how many times have I said these words?

“It’s too hard!”

“I can’t do it!”

“I can’t live like this.”

“I’ll never get this debt paid off!”

“This marriage isn’t going to work!”

“It’s just too much to ask.”

The descendants of Joseph responded, “It’s true that the hill country is not large enough for us. But all the Canaanites in the lowlands have iron chariots, both those in Beth-shan and its surrounding settlements and those in the valley of Jezreel. They are too strong for us.” –Joshua 17:16

The descendants of Joseph were complaining that they needed more land because there were so many of them, but they didn’t want to have to work and fight to win the land.

Then Joshua said to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, “Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” –Joshua 17:17-18

Sometimes we need to say to our children, grandchildren and ourselves, “I don’t care how much you whine or complain, you can and will do it!”

Friends, let’s be careful when another friend says, “I can’t do it; it’s too hard.”  The easiest thing to say is, “You’re right, it is hard.  Don’t worry about it!

Let’s be a real friend and say, “No, you can and you will do it!”

If you are tempted to quit today, here’s my advice: “Don’t quit, don’t give up–You can do it.

For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:13

Heavenly Father, it’s normal to be a quitter these days, but You have not called us to be normal.  Help us to see that finishing what we start is the right thing to do.  It sets us apart.  It speaks louder than words.  It’s shows our character.  Not giving up could be our greatest witness in these troubled times!  Jesus, give us supernatural strength and determination to finish what we start!

Heavenly Father, use us for Your Glory today!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 18:1-19:48

How “Not” to Comfort Someone Who’s Grieving–Job 5:8

January 20, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Christian Living, Encouragement, Friendship, Job, The Hurting World, The Power of Words, Uncategorized with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Job 5:1 through Job 7:21

Have you ever had someone say to you, “If I were you, I would…?”

Have you ever gone through some type of tragedy, loss, or difficult time and had someone say, “I know how you feel,” when you knew they didn’t know.

It just does more harm than good doesn’t it?

“If I were you, I would” is exactly what Job’s friend Eliphaz said to him (Job 5:8). There was no “I’m sorry for your loss”, “this is such a tragedy”, “I have no idea how you must feel” or “what can I do to help you?”

Nope. There was nothing but condemnation and “If I were yous.”

Have you ever been an Eliphaz to a family member, friend, or co-worker?

Have you ever been an Eliphaz to someone in your church family?

I’m sorry to say that I certainly have. There have been times when I have kicked someone when they were down–put my foot in my mouth and swallowed it! Most of the time I didn’t do it on purpose; I just didn’t realize how my words were affecting them.  There were way to many times when I didn’t say anything but I sure had Eliphaz thoughts.

So many times we completely avoid people who are grieving because we don’t know what to say. I sort of think it would have been good for Eliphaz to have stayed home and avoided Job that day. He certainly didn’t encourage Job.

Job said it best in chapter 6, verse 26:

Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?

Job needed someone to…

  • Cry with him
  • Acknowledge his pain
  • Connect with him at the heart level
  • Grieve with him
  • Help him rebuild his life
  • Comfort him
  • Encourage him
  • Let him talk

Job did not need someone to…

  • Preach at him
  • Criticize him
  • Tell him what to say to God
  • Say silly clichés like: “your loved ones are in a better place,” “God must’ve needed them in heaven”, etc
  • Accuse Job of sin

At the church I attend, Niceville Assembly of God, our Foc[US] statement addresses our desire to NOT be an Eliphaz…

Our commitment to love, acceptance, and forgiveness allows God to bring people to wholeness through restoration and spiritual formation.

Eliphaz was trying to bring Job to wholeness. While his intentions may have been to help, he actually did more to push him down than lift him up. All Job needed was someone to grieve with him. God and God alone is the only one who can bring us to wholeness.

As I bring this post to a close, my prayer is that I never become an Eliphaz to you as we take this journey. The fear of making that mistake could have kept me from starting the journey. But with the urging of the Holy Spirit, I stepped out on faith! My desire is to encourage you and lift you up in your relationship with Jesus Christ!

Blessings!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Job 8:1 through Job 11:20

What Causes Quarrels and Fights?–James 4:1-3

December 13, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Christian Living, Divorce, Failure, Family, Friendship, James, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  James 4:1-5:20, 1 Timothy 1:1-2:15

When was the last time you had an argument or fight?

When was the last time you got mad with someone and either quarreled or did the passive-aggressive thing and gave them the silent treatment?

Was it before you became a Christian, last year, last month, last week, yesterday, or five minutes ago?

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you?

  • Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?
  • You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it.
  • You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.
  • Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. –James 4:1-3

Wow!  

That’s tough to hear, especially when we throw in the fact that James was talking to Christians.  But if you’ve been a Christian more than 30 minutes you know that Jesus saved us because we can’t save ourselves.

The sooner we come to terms with the fact that there’s a war going on inside us, the sooner we’ll be able to recognize jealousy, envy and wrong motives as the “evil desires” James was talking about.

To have those pure motives mentioned in James 4:3, we must learn to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), determine who’s talking–The Holy Spirit, Satan, or your own fleshly desires, and then make a conscious decision to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than our evil desires.

Will we still have quarrels and fights?

Most likely, but if we are open to the teaching and correction of the Holy Spirit within us we will learn from our mistakes and those quarrels and fights will become the exception rather than the norm.

Heavenly Father, help us to have the pure motives You talked about in today’s scripture. Help us to recognize our evil desires and intentionally choose NOT to act on them.  Make us like You Lord.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Timothy 3:1-6:10

Can You Tell An Encouraging Story? 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

November 28, 2012 in 2 Corinthians, 2012 Journey, Christian Living, Family, Friendship, Romans, Workplace with 5 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Romans 15:1-16:27; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia (2 Corinthians 1:8).

Not exactly an encouraging and motivational message, unless you hear the whole story.

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.  In fact, we expected to die. 

But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.  And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.

–2 Corinthians 1:8-10

Here are the highlights of the story:

  • We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure
  • We thought we would never live through it
  • We expected to die

Lessons Learned:

  • We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God
  • God rescued us from mortal danger
  • God will rescue us again, if needed
  • We have placed our confidence in Him
  • God will continue to rescue us

Paul shows us the proper way to share our stories in today’s scripture reading.

Don’t get me wrong, when we’re in the midst of a trial we need someone with whom we can share the good, the bad and the ugly. You know, kick, scream, throw dirt, pout, etc.

But when we’re sharing to encourage, we need to spend more time sharing about the lessons learned than the trouble itself.

Sharing our lessons learned through life’s hard times is one of our greatest witnessing tools, if we do it in a way that shines the light on the greatness of God and not our problems.

Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Spirit.  Speak through us.  Help us to use our lessons learned through life’s difficult times to point others to Jesus.

In Your Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:5-6:13

5 Courage Boosters When Sharing Jesus With Others—John 7:13

October 14, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Family, Fear, Friendship, Holy Spirit, Jesus, John, Luke, Matthew with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  John 7:1-9, Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62, John 7:10-8:20

What have you taken a stand for lately?

  • Your favorite sports team
  • A pet project at work
  • A family member or friend
  • Your favorite “Dancing with the Stars” contestant
  • Your party’s political candidate

Talking “smack” about your favorite sports team or political candidate is pretty easy compared to…

Taking a stand for Jesus Christ

I live in the Bible belt.  During most of my working life I have been involved with organizations that had Christian heritages.  No, they weren’t churches or non-profits, but they were made up of many Christian people and were founded on Christian values; compared to many of you, I’ve lived a pretty sheltered life.

So, you would think it would be easy in that atmosphere to speak about Jesus, right?

Yes and No.

It’s easy to speak about God.

But you can feel the tensions rising when the name of Christ is mentioned, even in places where most people consider themselves somewhat “Christian.” (There is no such thing as some what Christian!)

The word “God” means different things to different people.  When we use that word, each person individually connects with it in their own way and everyone’s comfortable, but when we mention the name of Jesus Christ we draw a line in the sand and it forces people to get on one side or the other.

Don’t get me wrong when it comes to being a witness to those who don’t know Christ, it can be very helpful to open the doors with discussions about  ”God,” but at some point we have to distinguish “which God” we’re talking about.

It was the same way in Jesus’ day:

But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him (Jesus) in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. –John 7:13 (explanation mine)

The “Jewish Leaders” here are clearly the Jerusalem authorities, who correspond in John’s day to the leaders repressing not only the Jewish Christians but also any other views within Judaism that they saw as competing with their own position. (The IVP Background Commentary:  New Testament)

In today’s politically correct society, many of us don’t have the courage to speak favorably about Jesus Christ to our family, much less our friends, co-workers, bosses, or political leaders.

Just like the Jews in Jesus’ day, we’re afraid…

Afraid of…

  • Being seen as “different”
  • Being left out of the “in” crowd
  • Being passed over for a promotion
  • Being punished in some way for our beliefs

What can we do to be more courageous in our stand for Christ?

Here are 5 Courage Boosters:

  1. Ask your Heavenly Father to give you courage to share Jesus with others
  2. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the way for you to share Jesus with others
  3. Develop a genuine friendship and concern for the individual as a person before you begin to talk to them about your Savior
  4. Live a life of exceptional integrity in the community, workplace, and home, which will leave others asking, “what’s up with this person?  Why are they different?”
  5. When God opens a door for you to speak, do so with love and compassion, not a preachy, judgmental attitude

What would you add to this list?

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our lack of courage.  Jesus, You told us that if we deny you on this earth, You will deny us before Your Father in heaven (Matthew 10:33).  Remind of us the importance of Your Name.  Give us boldness to serve You and speak of You to others in our day-to-day life.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  John 8:21-59, Luke 10:1-11:13

I Want My Family in “The Family”–Matthew 16:13-17

October 12, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Becoming a Christ Follower, Biblical Principles, Christian Living, Divorce, Family, Friendship, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Luke, Mark, Marriage, Matthew, Parenting, Prayer, The Hurting World, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 8:22-30, Matthew 16:13-20, Luke 9:18-20, Mark 8:31-9:1, Matthew 16:21-28, Luke 9:21-27, Mark 9:2-13, Matthew 17:1-13, Luke 9:28-36

I want everyone I love and care about to be a part of the Family of God! I want them to have the free gift of eternal life!

Do you have family members, friends, or co-workers who don’t know Jesus Christ as their Savior?  I know I do.  I was having a conversation this past week-end with some of our family.  We were discussing our great desire for our all our family, friends and loved ones to “know Him.”

We were wondering

What we could say…

What we could do…

To help them to know Christ;

…maybe we could give them a DVD, a song, or a book.

Or maybe getting someone to talk with them,

yea, maybe that’ll  work!

After reading today’s scriptures it seems we should spend more time praying and asking God to reveal Himself to our loved ones in the method He thinks is best, and less time fretting, scheming and plotting to “get them saved.”

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. –Matthew 16:13-17 (emphasis mine)

The apostle John also reminded us how we come to Jesus:

For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. –John 6:44 (emphasis mine)

Less than twelve hours after that family conversation, God confirmed His Word by allowing us to witness a divinely orchestrated “God moment” in the lives of the very family members we were discussing.  Did they accept Jesus as their Savior?  I don’t know, we didn’t see any visible signs of interest.  But after what we saw, we KNOW God is working in their lives!

I’m still in awe of the way our God moved in this situation.

Let’s make a pact to pray more, worry less, and believe God to draw our loved ones to Himself.  Let’s take the God point of view rather than the human point of view.

Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” –Mark 8:33 (emphasis mine)

Heavenly Father, we want our family, friends, co-workers, and the whole world to know You.  Help us to continually pray for their salvation and then expect You to orchestrate it!  We ask You to work in their lives so that they will come to accept You as their Savior.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen.

 

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-21, Luke 9:37-43a, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 17:22-23, Luke 9:43b-45, Matthew 17:24-27, Mark 9:33-37, Matthew 18:1-6, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 9:38-41, Luke 9:49-50, Mark 9:42-50, Matthew 18:7-35

Why Do People Stay On Their Self-Destructive Path? Jeremiah 8:4-5

August 8, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Family, Finances, Friendship, Health, Jeremiah, Marriage, Parenting, Workplace with 2 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 8:4-11:23

Do you ever want to ask a co-worker, friend, or family member…

Why are you determined to destroy your health, finances, career, or family?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and asked yourself this same question?

In Jeremiah 8:4-7, the God of the universe gives us a glimpse of His frustrations with His children who continue to take the wrong path:

 “Jeremiah, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord says:

“‘When people fall down, don’t they get up again? 

When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back? 

Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path?
Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back?

They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around.
I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth.

 Is anyone sorry for doing wrong?
Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”?

No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle!
Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane.

They all return at the proper time each year.

But not my people!

They do not know the Lord’s laws.”

This makes me so sad.  How many times the Lord, must have looked at my life and said, “What’s wrong with this girl?  Doesn’t she get it?  She’s on the wrong road, why doesn’t she turn back?”

I believe we’re living in the age that Matthew 24:24 talks about, where “even God’s chosen ones can be deceived.”  We must stay close to Him and stay close to His Word.  When you have a question about a path you’re thinking of taking, ask yourself, “What does the Bible stay?”  And don’t move until you find HIS answer.

This was the problem in Jeremiah’s day “they did not know the Lord’s laws;” it’s a big problem in today world too. God’s Word is the solution to getting off the path of self-destruction. Make it a part of your daily life and your path of choice will be completely different.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for neglecting Your Word.  Teach us Your ways.  Show us the path we should take.  Holy Spirit, bring Proverbs 3:5-6 to fulfillment in our lives:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 12:1-15:21

Are Weary from Comforting Others? -Isaiah 50:4-5

July 25, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Encouragement, Friendship, Isaiah, Issues Women Face, leadership, The Hurting World, Tough Times with 2 Comments

 

 Today’s Scripture Reading: Isaiah 48:12-52:12

Everywhere I go there are hurting people.  Whether they’re grieving, physically ill, living in anger, or just worn out from “life,” weariness is a common theme in today’s world.

Sometimes I’m completely overwhelmed by the hurting in my circle of influence.

How can I comfort them?   I’m so… Inadequate.

In today’s Bible study the Lord said, “Dianne, you’re right; you’re completely inadequate.”

The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. 

The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened.

I have not rebelled or turned away.  –Isaiah 50:4-5

Knowing how to comfort the weary is a gift from God.  He gives us the words, He gives us the understanding, He gives us the stamina to continue.

Are you allowing the Sovereign Lord to give His words of wisdom and understanding or are you trying to comfort others in your own strength?

Let’s choose the easy way…listen to the Lord, and go in the direction he leads.

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I try to comfort others in my own strength and ability.  Help me to realize that “morning by morning” You give me the heart, the understanding and the words to comfort others.  Use me to comfort someone today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:13-57:21

2 Things You Shouldn’t Do Even If Everybody Else is Doing It!–Isaiah 8:11

June 24, 2012 in 2012 Journey, Biblical Principles, Friendship, Obedience, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 8:1 through Isaiah 11:16

A strong warning from the Lord…

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does…

How many times have we said as kids or heard as parents, “but everyone else is doing it!”

Our Heavenly Father says to us, YOU ARE NOT EVERYONE!

The Lord got real specific in the things that “everyone” does so that we, His kids absolutely, positively, know what we’re  NOT suppose to do.

Can you get the picture of the Lord, God grabbing both of Isaiah’s hands, looking him square in the eyes and saying, whatever you do, don’t do these things:

  1. Don’t call everything a conspiracy (woe is me!  everyone’s against me) like they do
  2. Don’t live in dread of what frightens them

But…

Do make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life

    • He is the one you should fear
    • He is the one who should make you tremble
    • He will keep you safe

–Isaiah 11:12-14a

How do we keep from being deceived like “everyone”?

Look to God’s instructions and teachings!  People who contradict His word are completely in the dark.  They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry.  And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God.  They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair.  They will be thrown out into the darkness.      –Isaiah 11:20-22

Friends, I am no prophet, but this warning that God spoke to Isaiah has our name on it as well.

We cannot be like everyone else.

I don’t mean we have to look different (but sometimes we need to), I’m talking about a firm faith that believes that  God is who He says He is AND He will do what He says He will do!  Remember yesterday’s post?

If we have a firm faith we won’t worry out what “everyone” thinks of us and we won’t live in fear like so many do today.  And there’s an added benefit…

“Everyone,” the people we come in contact with, will want to know how we live in today’s world with such confidence and peace.

And we will be doing what we are on this earth to do—

Cause others to know Him More!

Blessings in Jesus!


 
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 12:1-6; Isaiah 17:1-14; 2 Chronicles 18:16-21; 2 Kings 16:10-18; 2 Chronicles 28:22-25; 2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29:1-2; 2 Kings 15:30-31; 2 Kings 17:1-4, Hosea 1:1 through Hosea 2:13

One Thing to Do Before Starting a Fight–1 Kings 22:5

June 12, 2012 in 1 Kings, 2012 Journey, Christian Living, Family, Friendship, leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 20:23-22:9; 2 Chronicles 18:1-8

Have you ever just wanted to go out and have a good fight with someone?

Oh, I know that doesn’t sound very Christ-like, but if you are as human as I am then you’ve at least wanted to verbally give someone a “piece of your mind” at some point in your life.

In today’s reading King Jehoshaphat gave us some great pre-fight advice…

For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.  Then during the third year, King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel.  During the visit, the king of Israel said to his officials, “Do you realize that the town of Ramoth-gilead belongs to us? And yet we’ve done nothing to recapture it from the king of Aram!”

Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, “Will you join me in battle to recover Ramoth-gilead?”

Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “Why, of course! You and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses.” Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.”

What if…

we “found out what the Lord said” before we started our next fight. serious discussion, or heart-to-heart with our spouse, children, parents, in-laws, co-workers, neighbors, or enemies?

It might sound like this…

“God, I’m really mad at my _________ right now.  I really want to hurt him/her as much as he/she’s hurt me.  What do you think?  Should I start a fight?”

Do you think God would ever say, “yes”?

I do.

There’s a time to get the “stuff” of life out on the table

but

there’s also a time to be silent.

So, if we only started fights when the Lord told us to

There would probably be

  • Less fights
  • More understanding
  • More self-control
  • More peace
  • More people wanting to know Jesus because of our testimony…

What do you say?

From now on let’s ask our Heavenly Father’s permission to start a fight and if He says “no,” let’s say that sounds good to me Lord!

Heavenly Father, help us to go to You with our anger, frustration, and desire to fight.  You alone know what we should do.  Give us Your wisdom.  Give us Your self-control. Help us to fight–only– when You say to go to battle!

In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!

 

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 22:10-28; 2 Chronicles 18:9-27; 1 Kings 22:29-35; 2 Chronicle 18:28-34; 1 Kings 22:36-40, 51-53; 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:30

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